California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

$34.9 million in grants awarded statewide to assist law enforcement in fighting workers’ compensation fraud

News: 2015 Press Release

For Release: August 5, 2015

Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566

$34.9 million in grants awarded statewide to assist law enforcement in fighting workers’ compensation fraud

SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today announced he has awarded $34.9 million in grants to 37 district attorney offices representing 42 counties in California to combat workers' compensation insurance fraud. The grants, funded through employer assessments, support law enforcement efforts in investigating and prosecuting workers' compensation insurance fraud.

"The impact of fraud is felt across California as a drain on our economy," said Commissioner Jones. "These grants will assist district attorneys across the state in uncovering workers' compensation fraud schemes and prosecuting those who take advantage of the system."

Grant funding is based on assessments from California employers. California District Attorneys apply for workers' compensation insurance fraud grant funds. The Commissioner's grant review panel reviews the applications and makes funding recommendations to the Commissioner, based on multiple criteria including past performance, the county's problem statement and their program strategy for the upcoming year. The panel sends a recommendation to the Insurance Commissioner, who either accepts or amends the panel's recommendation. Upon completion, the Commissioner's recommendation is submitted to the Fraud Assessment Commission for their advice and consent, and then the grants are awarded.

The California Department of Insurance, established in 1868, is the largest consumer protection agency in California. Insurers collect $288 billion in premiums annually in California. In 2015 the California Department of Insurance received more than 155,000 calls from consumers and helped recover over $84 million in claims and premiums. Please visit the Department of Insurance web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP or 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.